HOMER – The life and contributions of former Banks County Emergency Management Agency/E-9-1-1 Director Lydia “Lisa” McClure, who died Sept. 9, will be honored annually going forward.
Last week, the Banks County Commission proclaimed Nov. 4 as “Lydia McClure Day” in Banks County, permanently affixing the day in memorial of the first call received and dispatched by Banks County E-9-1-1 under the direction of McClure.
“The biggest thing is 9-1-1 took its first call on Nov. 4, 1994 – 26 years ago – and we wanted to recognize that day as Ms. Lydia McClure Day,” said Banks County EMA/E-9-1-1 Director Deidra Moore.
Moore read the county commission proclamation during Tuesday night’s commission meeting.
“Mrs. Lydia McClure’s career of service spanned more than 25 years; and her volunteer service spanned the course of more than 44 years; and Mrs. Lydia McClure’s effort and dedication provided Banks County with emergency medical services, emergency 9-1-1 and emergency management services that served and continue to serve the health, welfare, and safety o the entire population of Banks County and beyond; and Mrs. Lydia McClure demonstrated dedication and patriotism by making an intensive commitment to service, a commitment that continues to serve Banks County,” the proclamation reads in part.
McClure began work for Banks County in 1975 as an emergency medical technician. In 1976, she was appointed director of the Banks County Ambulance Service (later Banks County Emergency Medical Services), where she served for 22 years.
In 1998, McClure was tasked with starting Banks County E-9-1-1 and held the job as director from that time until she retired in 2001.
That first 9-1-1 call, on Nov. 4, 1996, was not a wreck on the interstate or a medical call, as thousands since that day have been.
“It was a dog complaint that [future Sheriff] Charles Chapman responded to as a deputy,” Moore said. “And, since that time we have answered thousands upon thousands of emergency and non-emergency calls for help and dispatched thousands upon thousands of emergency response requests to the sheriff’s office, fire and EMS so that our citizens could get lifesaving help they needed. We have also served as a vital communications lifeline for our sheriff’s office and other law enforcement and responders since that day and we’ve handled many, many disasters through EMA in this same office. Many Banks County lives have been impacted by Ms. Lisa’s dedication and many lives and properties have even been saved no doubt. There isn’t a more fitting day to be proclaimed in her honor.”
McClure also served as director of Banks County Civil Defense (later Banks County Emergency Management Agency) from 1976-2001.
After retirement, McClure remained a active member of the community in a variety of capacities, including Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Lula, the boards of Peace Place, the Banks County Chamber of Commerce/CVB and Banks County Literacy Council.
Additionally, she served as a member of Banks County Rotary Club, on the nominating committee for JEMC, and as treasurer of Banks County AARP Chapter 3276.
“I think it was something to kind of honor all the good she did for the county,” said Commission Chairman Charles Turk. “Even after she retired, she continued to volunteer in the county and was active in several organizations, so she will be greatly missed.”
